Most people have probably already noticed that Titus Dittmann, the original father of skateboarding in Germany, was inducted into the highly prestigious Skateboarding Hall of Fame on Friday 30 May 2025. In the ‘Icons’ category, Titus was presented with the coveted trophy in Los Angeles / USA alongside three other legends. Only very few people in the skateboarding cosmos receive such an honour, which makes it all the more exciting to take a look behind the scenes. Emotions, handshakes and cold drinks cannot be communicated online, but the acceptance speech that Titus gave to the illustrious audience offers a small insight into the truly glamorous evening. Thank you Titus for everything you've done for skateboarding in Europe!
Created by T. Gentsch |
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Titus Dittmann introduced to the "Skateboarding Hall of Fame"
A look behind the scenes
"Wow, what a moment.
To be inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame - here in California, where so much of our inspiration comes from - is an incredible honour. But tonight is not just about me. It's about everyone who has walked, rolled and pushed with me.
Let me start where it all began: with my wife Brigitta.
In 1977, we got on a skateboard together for the first time. From that day on, skateboarding wasn't just a passion - it became our common language, our freedom, our way of life. Brigitta, thank you for being there from the first push, at every transition, every turning point. This moment belongs to you as much as it does to me.
In the early 80s, the journey with the Titus Skates team began to take shape. One of the first names to be mentioned tonight is Claus Grabke - our first official Titus pro, with the very first Titus pro model. Claus, your talent, energy and vision were the heartbeat of those early years, followed by amazing talents like Ralf Middendorf - who landed Europe's first Mc Twist - Florian Böhm, Anders Tellen and many others.
International legends like Nicky Guerrero, Lee Ralph and Puttis helped to connect our German history with the global scene.
The Titus team became a launch pad. Just think of Pierre-Andre Senizguires, who won the Monster Mastership, joined our team and later founded Sole Tech in the USA.
But none of this would have been possible without the confidence of the industry pioneers on the other side of the ocean - George Powell, Rich Novak, Larry Balmer, Fausto Vitello, Tony Magnusson, Jim Gray. They believed in us early on and shaped the European skate scene in a way we couldn't have imagined.
And of course VANS Distribution across half of Europe in the 80‘s, building more than just business - they built a community.
The Monster Mastership in Münster brought worldwide attention to Europe.
Our mission has always been to extend the reach of skateboarding. Seeing the Bones Brigade in Münster and all the international legends - first Lance Mountain and Steve Caballero and then Tony Hawk riding for TSG (then Titus Safety Gear) - it was magical.
Thanks to the Bostics for helping to take the Monster Mastership to the next level in the 90s.
Thanks to my son Julius, who took over the TITUS company from me 15 years ago. But skateboarding has never let go of me.
Today we are travelling with skate-aid in more than 20 countries and use skateboarding to give children resilience, self-confidence, self-determination, a deep sense of self-worth and joy.
Our motto: ‘We empower kids!’
Thank you Ralf Middendorf and Maik Giersch for taking responsibility for skate-aid.
Thank you to George Powell, Bob Denike, Jeff Kendall and Steve van Doren for their incredible support of our skate-aid projects.
Thank you to everyone who has stood by me - from the first kick-off in 1977 to this moment today. This is also an honour for you.
Skateboarding has so many wonderful facets. Let's share them!’
